Fighting has continued despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in Gaza. The ceasefire was brokered by Egypt in response to five days of hostilities but was broken within minutes of coming into effect when exchanges of fire began. At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza alone, whilst Palestinian rocket fire into Israel has killed two people. A Palestinian source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations said Israel had agreed to stop "targeted assassinations," whilst Israel demanded a complete halt to rocket fire by PIJ at its civilians. Israeli officials confirmed PIJ rocket fire continued immediately after the ceasefire was due to take effect, prompting retaliation from the Israeli military. Egyptian officials have called on both sides to adhere to the agreement.

Damage to essential infrastructure has affected the entire Gaza strip, including hospitals, two primary health care clinics, and four UNRWA schools. Internally displaced persons due to damaged homes and fear for their safety now number 948 people. Up to 15:00 on 13 May, 177 families were identified as such, and out of the internally displaced persons, 43 were staying in an UNRWA school in Beit Lahiya. Availability of essential medical care in parts of the area has also been an issue, with both Israeli-controlled crossings, Erez (for people) and Kerem Shalom (for goods), closed for the duration of hostilities.